August M
Movie soundtracks often cross international borders to create atmospheric local flavor for global blockbusters.
Yet during times of geopolitical conflict, brief musical choices can spark sudden outrage among moviegoers. How local audiences react to unexpected sounds can quickly reshape what ultimately makes it onto the big screen, reports DR News
Record breaker
The blockbuster Spider-Man: Brand New Day has set box office records around the world. Starring Tom Holland for his fourth outing as Peter Parker, the film also made history as the first Marvel movie to include a Russian song on its official soundtrack.
The track Monopolija by Russian pop artist Monetochka plays for roughly three seconds during a scene where Peter Parker arrives at Brighton Beach to meet Yelena Belova. But cinema visitors in Ukraine noticed a subtle difference when watching the film in local theaters.
The three-second segment was completely removed from the Ukrainian theatrical release. The edit followed widespread outrage on social media after local fans discovered the Russian track was part of the international cut.
Cuts in Kyiv
Before seeing the film, one Ukrainian user expressed frustration on Threads after discovering the track list online. She wrote, “If they have kept the number, I would rather return my ticket than have my evening ruined.”
The moviegoer later shared that the cinema chain Planeta Kino reached out to inform her that the clip had “been cut by our people.” Screenshots shared by local media outlet Oboz confirmed that other viewers received similar messages.
Distributor B&H Film Distribution made the adjustment quietly. Citing official information from the distributor, Planeta Kino told Meduza, “The short episode (about three seconds) has been completely removed from the Ukrainian version of the film. The plot and overall concept of the film remain unchanged.”
Anti-war artist
Monetochka, whose real name is Jelizaveta Gyrdymova, left Russia following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine and now resides in Latvia. Russian authorities labeled her a foreign agent due to her outspoken anti-war stance.
Despite her vocal opposition to the Kremlin and efforts organizing benefit concerts for Ukrainian refugees, her presence on the soundtrack remained unacceptable to many local moviegoers. The artist has not publicly commented on the decision to cut her song.
Sources: Dr News, Threads, Oboz, Meduza, Instagram
